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Customer Service Worsening?
Customer Service Worsening? 9/26/12
Robert Guaderrama
rguaderrama@cbs7.com
September 26, 2012
ODESSA, TX – They serve us food, they help us in stores, they even provide us health care but here in the Basin many locals claim customer service is at an all time low. Odessa College, The Odessa Chamber of Commerce and The Permian Basin Workforce Development Board are coming together to host customer service classes in hopes of preserving a friendly-westTexas.
Population is booming and life is speeding up around west Texas but at a cost.
"People are just don't care about people anymore," said Megan Riddle, west Texan.
"They don't wanna pay attention to regular customers like me," said Derek Baker, west Texan.
Shoppers say customer service is worsening and west Texas is losing it's friendly atmosphere; several Odessa organizations agree.
"You get moving so fast that you dont slow down and forget about the small things," said Johnathan Venable, Customer Service Class Instructor.
That's why Odessa College is holding courses to help customer service industry employees be as friendly as can be.
"The impact that they have goes beyond the realm of just their customers, it has a direct impact on the local economy and sales tax revenues," said Venable.
"If you're nice then they'll know that they can always call back and they'll get the same thing," said Natalie Milan, Receptionist, The Permain Basin Rehabilitation Center.
Class organizers tell us workers are facing challenging times. Customers are busier and more demanding than ever but they say workers have to maintain their professionalism and greet the customer with a smile.
"That's a hard pill to swallow for some but even if you know the customer is wrong, you have to act like they're right, become more of a partner instead of saying no, you're wrong," said Venable.
This semester's classes are full, however the class was so successful, Odessa College plans to hold more sessions next Spring. For more information, you can call (432) 335-6580.